A Guide To British Bangers (2024)

FAQs

What is the American equivalent of bangers? ›

If, after much searching, you find yourself without bangers (and without the proper equipment to make a batch yourself), then in a pinch substitute any sort of plain, fatty pork sausage. Bratwurst always seems closer to a proper banger than a mild Italian sausage in my mind. But use your own judgment.

Bangers and mash is a staple of the country's overall cuisine and is a popular pub dish. The term bangers supposedly originated during World War I, when meat shortages resulted in sausages' being made with a number of fillers, notably water, that caused them to explode when cooked.

A banger is a nickname that the British and Irish give to sausages. The nickname “bangers” originated during World War II, when rationing was common and meat was scarce. Bangers have two distinct characteristics – they have a much softer texture and are much less salty than their American and continental counterparts.

Bangers, on the other hand, are more savory, containing a greater quantity of herbs like thyme, sage and marjoram, which is one reason why they go so well with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Irish Bangers & Champ | Trader Joe's.

In the British Isles we have eleven native pig breeds, all of which are traiditionally used to produce wonderfully different tasting meat depending on where the breed is from and what it traditionally grazes upon.

Irish Sausage is also commonly known as “English Sausage”, “British Sausage, and as “Bangers” outside of the UK; the terms are used interchangeably. The traditional recipe consists of ground pork, a rusk bread filler, eggs, seasonings and a natural pork or beef casing.

Strangely enough us Brits call frankfurters, frankfurters. What as a slang name we call 'bangers' are one of the many varieties of British style sausage. It's not a term that is used that much really these days. About the only time we will use it is to refer to that good old fashioned British dish 'bangers & mash'.

Bangers and mash consists of sausages ("bangers") served with mashed potatoes ("mash") and onion gravy. While lamb or beef sausages can be used, the most traditional choice is pork – specifically the Cumberland variety, a type of pork sausage seasoned with pepper, thyme, sage, nutmeg and cayenne.

Sausages, brats, bangers, and dogs are terms that are often used when referring to any of the fresh sausage links we adore for their ability to pair well with ball games and beer.

Can you eat bangers for breakfast? ›

Bangers and mash, traditional British savory pork sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy, make an excellent breakfast when paired with a couple fried eggs. It's a hearty and filling dish and is great for serving to a crowd.

Although a variety of sausages can be used, bangers are usually a mild, fresh pork sausage made with a bread filler and seasoned with spices that may include pepper, thyme, sage, nutmeg and mace and stuffed into a natural casing.

Many countries in America also say “banger”, especially the Commonwealth members. Others use the ordinary word “sausage”.

Sausage with Onion Gravy and Mashed Potato – affectionately known as “Bangers and Mash” – is one of the greatest of all comfort foods. A sausage recipe for a quick easy dinner with a side of peas or steamed vegetables to douse in the homemade gravy.

Bangers : The Quintessential British Sausage

Bangers are not just one kind of sausage, the term bangers can refer to any British sausage and you will a variety of British sausages in the English breakfast depending on what part of the country you are in.